Patricia Jens

Patricia Ann Jens, daughter of Herman and Edna (Maassen) Woltmann, was born on August 19, 1937. She attended Avoca schools and following graduation went to Mercy Nursing School in Council Bluffs, where she obtained her RN degree. She was united in marriage to Herbert Jens on October 19, 1958 at the English Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Together they raised 3 sons: Curtis, Dwayne and Harley.

Growing up, Patricia lived in Shelby before the family moved to the farm west of Avoca. During her school years she played the saxophone in the band, and basketball, but that time was cut short when she broke her arm riding in the back of the truck. She made life long friends in nursing school. They would hide from the nuns so they could smoke. She continued her nursing career until her second son was born. Being a mother and a farm wife took its toll on her with 3 boys with questionable behavior. She continued to stay active in the church and Legion Auxilary. She enjoyed making jelly, canning, refinishing furniture, freezing bushels of corn, and raising chickens for meat and eggs. With the boys growing up and grandchildren arriving. Herb and Pat made their home in Avoca. Herb still worked on the farm and Pat took a job at the nursing home. Following the death of their son, Dwayne, they moved back to the farm and raised his 3 children. This proved to be quite the challenge but they got it done.

Sweet is a phrase that comes up often when people speak of her. A kind hearted woman always more concerned about the needs of others. Patti had an unwavering faith in God and seemingly unlimited love of people. No one was a stranger for long or turned way. A hard life, well lived, to be cherished by all those she touched. The family said, “A great-grandma is a little girl with gray hair!”

When Herb had his heart attack, Pattie took care of him as long as possible. She lived in Avoca for 8 more years and then moved to Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn for the past 6 months before her passing on Thursday, January 15, 2026, having attained the age of 88 years, 4 months, and 27 days.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Edna; husband Herbert; son Dwayne, and brother Ronald. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Curtis and wife Jackie Jens of Ogden, Iowa; Harley Jens of Hancock, Iowa; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; other family and many friends.